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Latest Microsoft Office Version Supported on macOS Big Sur
Question details
Users operating on macOS Big Sur need to know the latest version of Microsoft Office supported by their system and how to obtain it, as recent updates require newer macOS versions.
- Product
- Microsoft Office for Mac
- Device & OS
- macOS Big Sur 11.7.10
- Scenario
- Installing or updating Microsoft Office on an older Mac running macOS Big Sur.
- Observed behavior
- Later Office updates fail to install or require macOS Monterey, leaving Big Sur users stuck on older builds or encountering 404 errors when searching for compatible legacy installers.
Verify your current macOS version by clicking the Apple menu and selecting 'About This Mac' to confirm you are running macOS Big Sur (macOS 11).
Download and Install Office Version 16.77 for Big Sur
Version 16.77 (released September 2023) is the last official Microsoft Office update compatible with macOS Big Sur.
Starting with version 16.78, Microsoft requires macOS Monterey or later. While Office 16.77 will continue to function on Big Sur, it will no longer receive application features or security updates.
Navigate to the official Microsoft 'Update history for Office for Mac' documentation page using your web browser.
Scroll through the historical downloads list to find the September 2023 release, which corresponds to version 16.77.
Click the download link for the version 16.77 installer package and run the installation wizard once the download completes.
Open any installed application like Word or Excel, and log in with your valid Microsoft 365 or Office 2019/2021 license to activate the software.
Use WPS Office on Older macOS Versions
If your Mac cannot upgrade beyond macOS Big Sur and you are unable to easily download or update Microsoft Office, WPS Office provides a robust, lightweight, and free alternative that is highly compatible with older Apple hardware.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the Mac installer compatible with your macOS.
- 2. Install the Application: Open the downloaded .dmg file and drag the WPS Office icon to your Applications folder.
- 3. Launch and Use: Launch WPS Office from your Applications folder and sign in to access all free document editing tools instantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Microsoft Office 16.77 still work on macOS Big Sur?
Yes, Office version 16.77 will continue to function normally on Big Sur, but it will not receive any further feature enhancements or security updates from Microsoft.
What is the last Office version supported on macOS Catalina?
The October 2022 update, which is version 16.66, is the final build of Microsoft Office that supports macOS Catalina.
Why do I get a 404 error when trying to download old Office installers?
Microsoft occasionally updates or archives older direct download links. Always check the official 'Update history for Office for Mac' page to find the most current and secure download links for legacy versions.
Can I install new versions of Office 2019 on macOS Big Sur?
Existing installations of Office 2019 will work up to build 16.77. However, new installers for Office 2019 provided by Microsoft currently enforce a requirement for macOS Monterey or later.
